Dr Peter Hutchinson (pictured), who lectured at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, made the comments in tutorials over a period of months in 2014 and 2015
A retired Cambridge University lecturer has apologised for making ‘sexual and sexist’ comments to 10 of his female students, admitting his behaviour was ‘thoughtless, insensitive and offensive’.
Dr Peter Hutchinson, who lectured in the German department, made the comments in tutorials over a period of months in 2014 and 2015.
He retired in 2011, but carried on teaching in a non-stipendiary role at the university’s Trinity Hall until 2015 when the comments were reported to staff.
They sparked an internal investigation, which resulted in him being banned from having any contact with undergraduate students.
In a public apology issued through the university and reported by Cambridge News he admitted his comments were ‘of an inappropriate sexual and sexist nature’.
It read: ‘I said from the start I was sorry for any distress I had caused. I continue to deeply regret the comments I made, and the impact they had on the students concerned. At the time I did not question the comments I made as I was not made aware of the impact they were having.
‘Having had time to reflect, to step back and consider how these students said I’d made them feel, I realise these comments were thoughtless, insensitive and caused offence.’
He added that he has ‘nothing but utmost respect for women’ and expressed his ‘deep sorrow and regret for the pain’ his comments caused.
Trinity Hall is among Cambridge’s most well-known colleges, with alumni including scientist Stephen Hawking, actress Rachel Weisz and journalist Andrew Marr.
Dr Hutchinson is still allowed to have an advisory role as a member of the college’s financial committee but has no interaction with students.
A Trinity Hall spokesman said the college maintained a ‘zero tolerance approach’ to sexual harassment or sexual misconduct.
They said: ‘The college welcomes the statement Dr Hutchinson has provided and endorses the outline of events and actions taken.
‘he resulting action taken after the informal investigation was communicated directly to the students concerned, and was accepted and welcomed by them as a satisfactory resolution of their complaint against Dr Hutchinson.
He retired in 2011, but carried on teaching in a non-stipendiary role at the university’s Trinity Hall until 2015 when comments were reported to staff. An internal investigation took place that saw Dr Hutchinson banned from having any contact with students
‘There is no place for any form of harassment or sexual misconduct at Trinity Hall and we maintain a zero tolerance approach to any such incidents.
‘Whenever complaints are made to the college, they will be fully investigated and action taken, if that is what the student or staff member chooses.
‘Trinity Hall remains committed to keeping student choice at the heart of its complaints procedure, and works closely with students to ensure complaints are handled sensitively and in the manner they direct, whether that is informally, or formally.
‘Where cases are dealt with informally, recommended actions will be taken with the agreement of all parties.
‘Trinity Hall remains dedicated to maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment that allows our students to flourish.’
Dr Hutchinson’s apology comes after Cambridge pledged to having a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to sexual harassment at the university.
On October 18 the leading higher education institution introduced a series of measures, which included training staff and hiring a dedicated sexual harassment and assault advisor.
As part of the launch, a Cambridge University Students’ Union survey was released showing 77 per cent of respondents had experienced sexual harassment.
A further 30 per cent said they had experienced sexual assault, and that the majority of such assaults went unreported..
Dr Hutchinson said he endorsed the new campaign, which was devised jointly by students and academics, and has received high-profile support from actress Emma Thompson.
Dr Hutchinson added: ‘I have learned from this experience and am fully supportive of efforts to ensure this kind of incident never happens again.’